鶴 (hè) - Crane — a large wading bird known for & also a symbol of immortality and nobility.

鶴Tone 4

hè ｜ 21 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

鶴 · hè

Crane — a large wading bird known for its elegance and longevity in East Asian culture;

also a symbol of immortality and nobility.

Crane — a large wading bird known foralso a symbol of immortality and nobility.

Usage highlights

White craneCrane danceCrane's longevityCrane topknotCrane cryCrane shadow

Synonyms

  • 仙鹤— immortal crane; red-crowned crane
  • 白鹤— white crane

Antonyms

  • 鸡— chicken (as ordinary vs. outstanding in 鹤立鸡群)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • A white crane is a symbol of longevity (白鹤).
  • Crane dance is a traditional performance (鹤舞).
  • The crane stands gracefully in the marsh (鹤立沼泽).
  • He has the demeanor of a crane and the posture of a pine tree (鹤骨松姿).

Collocations

  • White crane(白鹤)
  • Crane dance(鹤舞)
  • Crane's longevity(鹤寿)
  • Crane topknot(a hairstyle; 鹤髻)
  • Crane cry(鹤鸣)
  • Crane shadow(鹤影)

Idioms

  • The crane stands among chickens(鹤立鸡群)
  • Crane hair and childlike face(鹤发童颜)
  • To burn a crane for cooking and cherish a lute as firewood(焚琴煮鹤)
  • A crane's cry is heard in the clear sky(鹤唳华亭)
  • The crane returns to the Huating region(华亭鹤唳)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the crane is a symbol of longevity, wisdom, and nobility, often associated with immortals and the scholarly class.
  • Depicted in art and literature as a companion to gods and immortals, frequently shown with pine trees or tortoises.
  • Used metaphorically for a person of outstanding talent or virtue standing out from the crowd.

FAQ